So we’ve added a few lenses to our kit since we got our DSLR last summer. It’s been fun to experiment and learn about the strengths and weakness of different types of lenses. Our latest acquisition is a ultra wide angle 10-20mm lens, which is quite a bit different from the 50mm lens we got for Christmas.

Wikipedia explains focal length like this:

The focal length f, is the distance from the front nodal point to the object to photograph S1, and the distance from the rear nodal point to the image plane S2 are then related by:

. As S1 is decreased, S2 must be increased. For example, for a camera with a focal length of f = 50 mm. To focus a distant object (), the rear nodal point of the lens must be located a distance S2 = 50 mm from the image plane. To focus an object 1 m away (S1 = 1000 mm), the lens must be moved 2.6 mm further away from the image plane, to S2 = 52.6 mm.

Horrifically boring, right?

But, check out the difference between these two pictures; taken from the same spot but with different lenses:

10mm

50mm

I have loved starting to explore what kind of shot I can get from the different lenses and focal lengths. It seems, much like music, the art of photography parallels mathematical logic. Maybe Science, Art, and Nature are not all that far apart.

Luna, for one, definitely appreciates the combination of science, art, and nature that goes into creating a wonderful German lager.